Author Topic: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple : नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर  (Read 5546 times)

dhamanda

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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (Hindi: नीलकंठ महादेव मंदिर) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nilkanth (Lord Shiva). The temple is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 kms from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

The Temple is one of the most revered holy shrines dedicated to Lord  Shiva and is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site. It is surrounded by  dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It  is enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot  and is located at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.

Legend
According to Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison Halahala that originated from the sea when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the sea in order to obtain Amrita. The poison emanated during the Samudramanthan (churning of ocean) made his throat blue in color. Thus, Lord Shiva is also known as Nilkanth, literally meaning The Blue Throated One.



The Temple
The sikhara of the temple is adorned with sculptures of various Devas and Asuras depicting the Samudramanthan. Neelkanth Mahadev in the form of Shivalinga  is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple complex also has a  natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath before entering  the premises of the temple. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated about  22 kms from Swarg ashram and the trekkable road to the temple is  surrounded by dense forests.


Festivals
Maha Shivaratri  is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple and lots of  devotees flock to the temple during the festival. The devotees who pay  a visit to Neelkanth Mahadev make an offering of Bael leaves,  coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to the Lord Shiva. The  temple observes two fairs that are held annually on the occasions of  Maha Shivratri (Feb-Mar) and Shivratri of Shraavana (month of Hindu calendar) (July-Aug) during which the devotees (Kawarias) trek from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple




 

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